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Construction workers killed after World Cup stadium collapse

Part of the stadium due to host the opening match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup has collapsed, killing two construction workers at the site.

The roof at the Arena de Sao Paulo, in the Itaquerao district of the city, suffered damage following an accident on Wednesday which involved a crane working on the construction.

According to a statement from Brazilian club Corinthians and building firm Odebrecht, the crane, designed to put the final piece of the metal roof structure in place, collapsed and caused the fall of part of the east building.

It read: "Odebrecht Infraestrutura and Sport Club Corinthians Paulista regret to inform you that in the early afternoon an accident in the work of Arena Corinthians caused the death of two workers - Fabio Luiz Pereira, 42, driver/operator of the company BHM Munck, and Ronaldo Oliveira dos Santos, 44, assembler of Conecta company.

"Shortly before 1pm, the crane that hoisted the last module of the structure of the metal roof of the stadium collapsed causing the fall of the part of the circulation area of the east building - partially hitting the LED facade.

"The structure of the grandstand was not compromised. It was the 38th time this type of procedure happened in the place and a part with the same proportions was installed just over a week in the southern sector of the stadium.

"Firemen are working in the place. At the moment, all efforts are focused to provide full assistance to the families of the victims."

FIFA also expressed their condolences, releasing a statement of their own shortly after the incident.

It read: "FIFA and the LOC have learnt of the death of workers at the Corinthians Arena site in Sao Paulo with great sadness. We wish to send our heartfelt condolences to the family of the workers who tragically died today.

"The safety of workers is the top priority for FIFA, the LOC, the federal government. We know the safety of all workers has always been paramount for all the construction companies contracted to build the 12 FIFA World Cup stadiums.

"The local authorities will fully investigate the reasons behind such a tragic accident.

"We are in no position to comment further at this stage, as we are awaiting further details from the authorities. As soon as FIFA receives further information, we will provide an update."

FIFA president Sepp Blatter, meanwhile, added via his Twitter account: "I'm deeply saddened by the tragic death of workers @Corinthians arena today. Our heartfealt (sic) condolences are with the families."

The venue had been chosen to host the first game of the showpiece tournament on June 12, with FIFA having set a strict deadline of the end of December for all venues to be completed.

A total of six games are due to be played at the stadium, which was reported to be 94 per cent complete earlier this month.